Volkswagen Polo Hatchback (02-09) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 21 July 2008
It may not be the most exciting small hatchback on the market but the Volkswagen Polo is hugely popular. And with excellent build quality, bullet-proof reliability and that all important Volkswagen badge on the grille, it's not hard to see why. Safe and comfortable to drive it's available with a wide choice of engines including some very economical diesels while the interior is durable and well finished. If you're looking to save money there's also an environmentally-friendly Bluemotion model available. Thanks to engine tweaks, aerodynamic changes and longer gearing this emits just 99g/km of CO2 - so it qualifies for free-road tax, plus it will average an incredible 74mpg. The model was facelifted in mid-2005 with a sharper look and angular headlights replacing the twin lights.
4 out of 5

Other Volkswagen reviews

4 out of 5

Safety

Although it's not the market leader, the Polo still gets a four star Euro NCAP crash test rating and dual front airbags along with ABS are standard, while sidebags are optional.

NCAP Test

Euro NCAP logo Euro NCAP

Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

Visit Euro NCAP for more info

  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

We haven’t heard many complaints of major issues and most owners report excellent reliability - frequently many replace their Polo with another which is the ultimate endorsement.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

A recall in 2005 where tension cracks may occur on the vacuum pipe to the brake servo. Another recall in 2005 where the bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break.

Other

A recall in 2007 for cars with heated cloth seats where the seats may catch fire.

Spot car problems with a Parkers Car Checklist